Former reality-TV personality Spencer Pratt is running for mayor of Los Angeles using campaign tactics modeled after Donald Trump [1, 2].
Pratt's candidacy represents a shift toward populist, direct-to-voter strategies in local government. By attempting to replicate Trump's method of mobilizing a base, Pratt aims to challenge what he describes as failed leftist governance in the city [2, 3].
Pratt is one of 13 candidates competing in the race [1]. He has said that he is avoiding traditional media channels to reach the electorate. "I'm running this race the same way Donald Trump did—by speaking directly to the people and cutting through the media noise," Pratt said [2].
Following a fiery debate this month, Pratt expressed confidence in his standing with voters. He said, "I can see 51% of the vote for me after the debate" [4]. This projection comes as the city prepares for the mayoral election scheduled for June 2026 [1].
Pratt's approach focuses on a populist appeal to disrupt the existing political establishment. While some reports suggest Trump approves of the strategy, other sources do not mention any direct commentary from the former president [2, 4].
Despite the unconventional nature of his campaign, Pratt remains focused on the upcoming vote. The strategy relies on high-visibility confrontations and a rejection of standard political norms, a hallmark of the playbook he is implementing in California [1, 2].
“"I'm running this race the same way Donald Trump did—by speaking directly to the people and cutting through the media noise."”
The application of national populist tactics to a municipal race in Los Angeles suggests a growing trend of 'celebrity politics' where brand recognition and disruptive communication are prioritized over traditional policy platforms. If a candidate using this playbook can successfully capture a majority of the vote in a major U.S. city, it may signal a shift in how local elections are contested across the country.
